McDonald Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Are you an early-career MS researcher from a low- or middle-income country passionate about advancing treatments and care for multiple sclerosis? The McDonald Fellowships 2026-2027 are now open! Funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) in partnership with ECTRIMS and FRANCESEP, these fully funded 2-year placements provide €55,000 per year to work at a leading institution outside your home country. Open to MSc/PhD/MD holders, the program builds skills for MS research and patient care in underserved regions. Don’t miss your chance to join 30+ alumni transforming global MS efforts,

Overview of McDonald Fellowships 2026-2027

Host Institutions: Leading research centers worldwide (outside applicant’s country)
Funded By: MS International Federation (MSIF) with ECTRIMS & FRANCESEP
Country: International (any, excluding home/low-middle income origin)
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of low/middle-income countries (World Bank classification)
Study Level: Postdoctoral (MSc/PhD/MD level)
Number of Awards: Multiple (e.g., 3–5 annually)
Program Duration: 2 years
Application Deadline: June 2026

The McDonald Fellowships 2026-2027, launched in 2007, honor Professor Ian McDonald by supporting researchers to gain expertise abroad and return home to multiply impact.

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Fellowship Focus Areas

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research: Remyelination, neurorehabilitation, public health
Clinical trials, epidemiology, biomarkers
Patient care innovations for low-resource settings

Fellowship Benefits

The McDonald Fellowships 2026-2027 provide:

Annual grant: €55,000 (paid to host institution for salary/living)
Mid-term report after Year 1 (Year 2 conditional)
Final report/expenditure summary
Acknowledgment in publications/abstracts
Networking with MSIF global community

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Eligibility Criteria for McDonald Fellowships 2026

To qualify:

Hold MSc, PhD, or MD in relevant field
From low/middle-income country (World Bank)
Work/study in LMIC at nomination
Project in another country (started <6 months prior)
Not previously funded by MSIF grant
Commitment to return and apply skills home

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Required Documents

Online Application Form (all sections)
Host supporting statement
3 reference letters (including current supervisor)
CV
Research proposal
Publication/preprint proof

Application Timeline for McDonald Fellowships 2026

Opens: July 1, 2026
Deadline: June 2026 (form, host statement, references)
Review: January 2026
Interviews: February 2026
Results: March 2026
Start: Flexible 2026

How to Apply for McDonald Fellowships 2026

Secure Host: Agree on project/institution outside home country.
Online Form: MSIF Portal (opens July 1); complete sections.
Host Statement: Upload supporting document.
References: Provide 3 contacts; they submit to research@msif.org by deadline.
Submit: By December 1.
Review: MSIF panel selects.

Why Choose the McDonald Fellowships?

€55,000/year for MS research abroad
Global host options (Europe, USA, etc.)
Return impact: Build home programs
MSIF Network: 30+ alumni, conferences
Vienna/London hubs: Research excellence

Additional Opportunities

Tips for a Successful McDonald Fellowships Application

Host Early: Secure supervisor before July 1
Proposal Impact: LMIC MS care focus
References Timely: Remind by November
Publication: First-author essential
Return Plan: Clear home application

Conclusion

The McDonald Fellowships 2026-2027 empower MS researchers with €55,000/year funding. Advance global care and apply by June 2026!

MSIF Official Website for applications.

Ehsas Kafaalat